Folk Festival & Performing Arts

Welcome to the Folk Festival & Performing Arts Department!

The Folk Festival was established in 1948 to preserve and promote the music and dance of North Carolina’s early years and to provide wholesome entertainment for visitors to the NC State Fair. 

• Registration Opens: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
• Registration Closes: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026
• Competition Location: In the large tent beside the white church near Heritage Circle on the west side of the fairgrounds.
• The N.C. State Fair General Fair Rules & Regulations apply.
• Open to all residents of the United States of America.
• The Folk Festival & Performing Arts Department offers divisions in the following areas:
  • Heritage Dance & Music
  • Novelty & Contemporary Dance & Music
  • Dramatic Arts

Please review the Premium Book for full competition details, rules, and regulations prior to entry.